Toothbrush Having Internal Toothpaste Storage and Dispensing Capability

ABSTRACT

A toothbrush constructed to store and dispense the toothpaste directly onto a brushing head is described. The toothbrush comprises a handle and brushing head. The handle contains a toothpaste storage area fluidly coupled to one or more toothpaste dispensing members located within the brushing head.

PRIORITY CLAIM

In accordance with 37 C.F.R. 1.76, a claim of priority is included in an Application Data Sheet filed concurrently herewith. Accordingly, the present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/984,632, entitled “TOOTHBRUSH HAVING INTERNAL TOOTHPASTE STORAGE AND DISPENSING CAPABILITY”, filed Apr. 25, 2015. The contents of the above referenced application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of personal hygiene, to the field of oral hygiene, and more specifically, to a toothbrush which stores and/or dispenses toothpaste.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper oral hygiene is considered paramount in the development and maintenance of a strong and healthy mouth. Professional dental care, regular cleanings, and proper and effective teeth cleaning removes the sticky, colorless bacteria-produced biofilm known as plaque. Removal of plaque through proper cleaning prevents formation of cavities and periodontal diseases. Failure to remove plaque on a regular basis results in the build-up and thickening of the biofilm and increased risk of developing dental diseases such as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can result in the more advanced disease of periodontitis. Progression of periodontitis ultimately results in tooth loss.

Brushing one's teeth is a fundamental technique considered as an effective daily treatment to maintain healthy teeth and gums. While numerous commercially available toothpastes/gels exist, all such products are fundamentally designed to aid in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Most toothpastes/gels contain antibacterial ingredients and abrasives for removing dental bacterial plaque. In addition, special ingredients may also be included which help clean and polish the teeth, and remove stains over time. Finally, toothpastes/gels may further enhance oral hygiene as they help to freshen the user's breath, leaving his/her mouth with a clean feeling.

Most toothbrushes contain the basic parts of a handle and brush head portions. Toothpaste is added to the brush head region and the brush is then articulated in an acceptable and useful manner. Traditional means of dispensing toothpaste to a toothbrush includes aligning the toothbrush head and bristles with a toothpaste bottle or tube. Once aligned, the user simply squeezes the bottle, forcing the toothpaste out and onto the toothbrush head. Electronic toothpaste dispensing devices are known in the art. These devices are independent units designed to dispense toothpaste onto an individual's toothbrush. Separate dispensing units, however, have the disadvantage of taking up space in the bathroom, and require the steps of aligning the toothbrush head with the dispensing portion.

The present invention provides an improved device for maintaining oral hygiene by providing for a quick, easy, and convenient mechanism for brushing teeth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a toothbrush, and more particularly to a toothbrush that can store toothpaste within the body of the handle. The toothbrush in accordance with the present invention is also designed to dispense the stored toothpaste directly onto the brushing head, thereby eliminating the need to have a separate toothpaste tube as part of an individual's oral hygiene routine. The toothbrush comprises a handle and brushing head. The handle contains a toothpaste storage area fluidly coupled to one or more toothpaste dispensing members located within the brushing head.

In one embodiment of the invention, the toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability comprises a handle portion having a first end, a second end and a main body separating the first and the second end. The main body has a plurality of surfaces interconnected to form a handle interior region. The handle interior region is sized and shaped to receive and store a material therein. The toothbrush also comprises a brush head portion fluidly connected to the handle portion. The brush head portion has a first brush head end, a second brush head end, and a brush head body separating the first brush head end and the second brush head end. The brush head body has a plurality of surfaces arranged about a space thereby forming a brush head interior region, at least one fluid dispensing component, and at least one tooth cleaning member.

Accordingly, it is an objective of the instant invention to teach a toothbrush having a toothpaste storage area for receiving and storing the toothpaste within.

It is a further objective of the instant invention to teach a toothbrush having toothpaste dispensing members positioned within the brushing head.

It is yet another objective of the instant invention to teach a toothbrush having a toothpaste storage area for receiving and storing the toothpaste fluidly coupled to one or more toothpaste dispensing members positioned within the brushing head.

Other objectives and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste;

FIG. 1B is a back perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste;

FIG. 2A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an elongated handle body of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste;

FIG. 2B is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an elongated handle body of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste;

FIG. 2C illustrates a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste having an elongated handle body made of a rigid or partially rigid portion and a flexible portion;

FIG. 3A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of an elongated handle body of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste shown in FIG. 2A illustrating additional features;

FIG. 3B is a cross sectional view of an elongated handle body having a material transport assembly;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a material transport assembly;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of the roller member assembly;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating the components of an automatic material transport assembly;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the brushing head;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the brushing head;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the brushing head illustrating one embodiment of the brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channels;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the brushing head illustrating an alternative embodiment of the brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channels;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste with toothpaste dispersed through the openings;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the toothbrush device for storing and dispensing toothpaste.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a toothbrush with internal toothpaste storage and dispensing capability, referred to generally as toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10, is illustrated. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 12 and a brushing head 14. The handle 12 has a first end 16, a second opposing end 18, and an elongated handle body there between. The elongated handle body 20 is further defined by a first surface 13, an opposing second surface 15, and two side surfaces 17 and 19, forming an enclosed handle body interior 11. The brushing head 14 has a first end 22, a second opposing end 24, and a brushing head body 26 there between. The brushing head 14 further contains a front surface 23, a back surface 25, side surfaces 27, 29, and a top surface 31, forming an enclosed brushing head interior 9. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 may be formed as a single unit in which the handle and a brushing head 14 are integrally formed together. Alternatively, the handle 12 and the brushing head 14 may be formed separately and secured together independently. The brushing head 14 contains a plurality of cleaning or scrubbing members, illustrated herein as rows of toothbrush bristles 28. The brush head 14 is fluidly connected to the handle 12 so that a fluid material, such as a liquid or gel, can be transported from a portion of the handle 12 to the brush head 14. As used herein, the term fluid may be defined as a nearly incompressible fluid that conforms to the shape of its container but retains a constant or nearly constant volume independent of pressure. In addition, liquid may be defined as a fluid or a substance, like a paste or gel, which behaves like a solid until a substantially large force or stress is applied, at which point it flows like a fluid.

Referring to FIG. 2A, a cross sectional view of an illustrative embodiment of the handle 12 is shown. The handle 12 is designed to receive, hold and/or transfer a material, such as toothpaste, to the brushing head 14 (shown in dotted lines). Accordingly, the handle 12 contains at least one toothpaste storage area or chamber, illustrated herein as a toothpaste holding lumen 30. The toothpaste holding lumen 30 may be the same size as or smaller than the interior 11. The toothpaste holding lumen 30 begins at the first end 16 of the handle 12 and runs the length of the body, terminating at a distal end 33 at or near the second opposing end 18. One or more handle body toothpaste dispensing channels 32 extend from the distal end 33 towards the brushing head 14 (brushing head shown in dotted lines). The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 contains an opening 34 sized and shaped to allow for the placement of toothpaste into the toothpaste holding lumen 30. The opening 34 may be covered by cap 35 (see FIG. 1A). The cap may be designed to snap fit onto the handle 12. In another embodiment, the cap 35 may contain male/female threading, which can be screwed into corresponding female/male threading positioned inside handle 12. In yet another embodiment, the cap 35 may be hingedly connected. Alternatively, the opening 34 may be covered by a plug.

FIG. 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the handle 12 shown in FIG. 2A. Instead of the toothpaste holding lumen 30 terminating at the distal end 33, toothpaste holding lumen 30 extends to the brushing head 14. In this embodiment, the toothpaste stored within the toothpaste holding lumen 30 can be directed toward and pushed directly into the brushing head 14 without the use of the handle body toothpaste dispensing channels 32.

To aid in dispensing the toothpaste through the toothpaste holding lumen 30 and into the brushing head 14, the elongated handle body 20 may be made of a flexible material so that the user can squeeze the toothpaste the length of the elongated handle body 20. FIG. 2C illustrates an elongated handle body 20 which is made of a rigid or partially rigid portion 37, such as a rigid or partially rigid plastic, and a flexible portion 39. The flexible portion 39 can be made of a flexible, bendable, or squeezable plastic to allow the user to manually push the toothpaste stored inside the elongated handle body 20 up to the brushing head 14. The flexible, bendable, or squeezable plastic may be soft plastic laminate or a soft polyethylene, with or without aluminum. The rigid or partially rigid plastic material provides structural support and stability. Alternatively, the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 contains a mechanical assembly to accomplish the same.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the elongated handle body 20 is shown with a roller device 36 adapted to roll along the outer surface of the toothpaste holding lumen 30. As the roller member 36 moves toward the brushing head 14, toothpaste stored within the toothpaste holding lumen 30 is squeezed in a direction towards the distal end 33, and ultimately into the handle body toothpaste dispensing channels 32.

The roller member 36 is movably attached to shafts 38 and 40, via for example a cylindrical pin 65 and bracket 67, thereby providing a mechanism in which the roller member 36 moves forward/backward about the toothpaste holding lumen 30. Preferably, the roller member 36 moves about the shafts 38 and 40 through a motor 42 and gears 44 stored within the elongated handle body 20, see schematic, FIG. 4A. The motor and gears are driven by battery 46. Pressing button 48 located on the outside of the elongated handle body 20 drives the entire process of moving the roller member 36.

FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative mechanical actuating mechanism for moving toothpaste stored within the handle 12 to the toothbrush head 14. As illustrated in FIG. 3B and 3C, the elongated handle body 20 houses a material transport assembly, illustrated herein as a movable platform assembly 41. The movable platform assembly 41 comprises an adjustment knob 43 coupled to a threaded rod 45 for selectively rotating the threaded rod 45. A platform 47 is coupled to the threaded rod 45 through a base portion 49 having a threaded aperture 51. Rotating the adjustment knob 43 in the direction of arrows 53 or 55 results in the platform 47 moving up or down, see arrows 57 or 59. As the platform moves towards the brush head 14, toothpaste stored within the elongated handle body 20 will be squeezed into the brush head 14 as well. The adjustment knob 43 may contain a support structure 61 which is designed to receive, support, and hold the threaded rod 45. To make the movement of the platform 47 motorized, the adjustment knob 43 may be replaced by a motor 42 (FIG. 4B), powered by a power source such as a battery 46, and coupled to the threaded rod 45. Operating a forward/reverse button 48 allows the motor 42 to rotate the threaded rod 45 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, moving the platform 47 up or down the elongated handle body 20, see FIG. 4B.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an embodiment of the brushing head 14. The brushing head body 26 is shown without rows of toothbrush bristles 28 for illustrative purposes. The brushing head body 26 has an inner wall or surface 50, an outer wall or surface 52, and a continuous side wall or surface 54 that separates the inner wall and the outer wall and forms an inner brushing head chamber 56. The inner surface 50 contains one or more toothpaste dispensing members, illustrated herein as toothpaste dispensing openings 58. Although not illustrated, the brushing head body 26 may be designed to have one toothpaste dispensing opening for each brushing bristle. The toothpaste dispensing openings 58 are sized and shaped to allow for toothpaste to travel therethrough. Each of the toothpaste dispensing openings 58 correspond to one or more brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channels 60 housed within the inner brushing head chamber 56, see FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the toothpaste dispensing openings 58 may contain an individual, corresponding brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channel 60. Alternatively, one brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channel 60 may correspond with two or more toothpaste dispensing openings 58, see FIG. 8.

In any of the embodiments, the one or more brushing head body toothpaste dispensing channels 60 are aligned with the one or more handle body toothpaste dispensing channels 32 to allow for smooth flow of toothpaste from the toothpaste holding lumen 30 to the inner surface 50 of the brush head body 26. Once dispersed out of the opening, a patch of dispensed toothpaste 62, see FIG. 9, remains at or near the opening until further dispersed. The toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 may include an indicator light 63 (see FIG. 1B) which is electrically coupled to a sensor for determining when the levels of the toothpaste are low and need replacing or refilling.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the toothpaste dispensing toothbrush 10 constructed of two individual units which are secured together. Such construction allows a user the ability to easily remove either the handle 12 or the brushing head 14. For example, the handle body 20 may include a pre-loaded brand of toothpaste, i.e. CREST or COLGATE, or types of toothpaste, i.e. tarter control, whitening. Once the user has used the entre amount of pre-loaded toothpaste or wants to use a different brand, the user simple removes the handle body 20 from the brush head 14 and replaces it with a handle body 20. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the handle body 20 includes a pair of tabs 64 and 66 sized and shaped to fit and reversibly lock within channels 68, 70 positioned within the brushing head 14.

All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention, which are obvious to those skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability comprising: a handle portion having a first end, a second end and a main body separating said first and said second end, said main body having a plurality of surfaces arranged about a space thereby forming a handle interior region, said handle interior region sized and shaped to receive and store a material therein; a brush head portion fluidly connected to said handle portion, said brush head portion having a first brush head end, a second brush head end, and a brush head body separating said first brush head end and said second brush head end, said brush head body having a plurality of surfaces interconnected to form a brush head interior region, at least one fluid dispensing component, and at least one tooth cleaning member.
 2. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said handle interior region includes a lumen sized and shaped to store said material therein.
 3. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said material is toothpaste.
 4. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said at least one tooth cleaning member is a toothbrush bristle.
 5. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said at least one fluid dispensing component is an opening sized and shaped to allow a material within said brush head interior region to be dispensed to an outer surface of said brush head body.
 6. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said brush head body comprises a plurality of fluid dispensing components.
 7. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said brush head body comprises at least one fluid passageway for transporting a material to an outer surface of said brush head body.
 8. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said brush head body comprises a plurality of fluid passageways for transporting a material to an outer surface of said brush head body.
 9. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said at least one fluid dispensing component is fluidly coupled to said at least one fluid passageway.
 10. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said handle portion is made of a flexible or bendable material.
 11. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said handle portion comprises an outer portion made of a rigid material and an inner portion made of a flexible or bendable material.
 12. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 1 wherein said handle portion further comprises a mechanical actuator for moving a material stored within said handle portion interior to said brush head portion.
 13. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 12 wherein said mechanical actuator includes a material transport assembly.
 14. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 13 wherein said material transport assembly includes a platform constructed and arranged to move about a threaded rod.
 15. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 14 wherein said platform is movably coupled to an adjustment knob.
 16. The toothbrush having internal storage and dispensing capability according to claim 13 wherein said platform is movably coupled to a motor. 